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Potential to Eradicate Cancer Stemness by Targeting Cell Surface GRP78

Hsin-Ying Chen1, Ann-Joy Cheng2,3,4

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan.

Biomolecules
|July 27, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Cancer stemness drives metastasis and relapse. Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is key to cancer stemness, offering a target to eradicate cancer stem cells and prevent tumor recurrence.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are implicated in tumor metastasis and relapse post-therapy.
  • Key CSC properties include self-renewal, low population percentage, and distinct substance absorption.
  • The precise mechanisms maintaining cancer stemness are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the discovery and characteristics of cancer stem cells.
  • To explore the role of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) in maintaining cancer stemness.
  • To discuss targeting GRP78 as a therapeutic strategy against CSCs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of cancer stem cell research.
  • Analysis of studies investigating GRP78 function in cancer.
  • Synthesis of evidence linking GRP78 to cancer stemness properties.

Main Results:

  • Cancer stemness contributes significantly to tumor progression and therapeutic resistance.
  • GRP78 has been identified as a critical mediator of cancer stemness.
  • Targeting GRP78 presents a promising approach for CSC eradication.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding cancer stemness is crucial for developing effective cancer treatments.
  • GRP78 is a viable molecular target for eliminating CSCs.
  • Targeting GRP78 may offer a novel strategy to overcome metastasis and relapse.
Keywords:
GRP78cancer stem cellscancer stemnesscell cyclecell division

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